Capparaceae
Cadaba farinosa
Cadaba bush · Kibilazi mwitu, Mvunja vumo
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Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Cadaba farinosa is an evergreen shrub or small tree, typically growing 2-8 metres tall, with arching branches and smooth reddish-brown bark. Young twigs are often covered in powdery hairs or scales, and its simple, oblong to elliptical leaves are greyish. The creamy yellow to pale pink flowers develop into orange, cylindrical fruits with seeds embedded in a red or orange pulp.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species thrives in full sun and well-drained conditions, making it suitable for Kilifi-coast gardens, including sandy or stony areas, and on termite mounds. It can be planted as a specimen shrub, a live fence, or for restoration in dryland landscapes.
Growing notes
Cadaba farinosa is drought-tolerant once established due to its deep root system and prefers low-rainfall areas. It typically flowers at the end of the dry season or the start of the rains. For propagation, fresh seeds are recommended as they tend to lose viability quickly.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: feedipedia.org, plantnet.org, wikipedia.org, grokipedia.com, imedpub.com, worldagroforestry.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.